AGP Executive Report

Public Health Preparedness: New York officials are running high-risk hospital drills, including PPE practice and communication tests, with Bellevue simulations covering outbreaks like measles, swine flu, and even anthrax—plus a recent MERS “World Cup emergence” scenario that also includes hospitals across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medicare Fraud Alert: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week highlights a fast-growing 2026 scam where callers use AI voice cloning to sound like a beneficiary’s daughter and rush victims to get Medicare numbers—urging people to hang up and verify through official channels. Local Workforce & EMS Training: The UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; ten residents completed Cohort 2 with strong progress toward national certification. Emergency Response at Sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Hurricane Readiness: Even with a below-normal 2026 Atlantic outlook, forecasters stress the Caribbean and U.S. Virgin Islands can still face a life-changing storm, and NOAA’s updated inland warning approach is meant to reduce complacency.

Medicare Scam Alert: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week spotlights a fast-growing phone scam where callers use AI voice cloning to sound like a beneficiary’s daughter and rush victims for Medicare info—FTC reports losses among adults 60+ jumped sharply in recent years. Workforce & Emergency Care: UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; cohort 2 completed with graduates on track for NREMT certification. Public Health & Safety: Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Hurricane Readiness: Even with a below-normal 2026 Atlantic outlook, the National Hurricane Center is expanding its forecast cone to better warn inland areas—important for U.S. Virgin Islands residents planning for wind impacts. Privacy & Data Security: FTC finalized a modified order against Illuminate Education after a major breach of student data tied to weak security and delayed notifications. Local Government: Acting Gov. Roach recognized top public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, highlighting how frontline service supports residents. Health Tech & Ethics: Google’s parent company seeks approval to release millions of mosquitoes in California and Florida to reduce virus-spreading insects, raising both public health hopes and ethical questions.

Medicare Fraud Alert: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is spotlighting a fast-growing 2026 scam: phone calls that use AI voice cloning to sound exactly like a beneficiary’s daughter, pushing victims to stay on the line and share Medicare details. Workforce & EMS Training: UVI’s Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; the center also marked Cohort 2 completion with 10 graduates on track for NREMT certification. Public Health & Skin Safety: A new column urges Virgin Islanders to rethink sunscreen for summer—favoring reusable sun-protective clothing and shade first, then choosing the right lotion when skin must be exposed. Mental Health After Job Loss: A survey of federal workers laid off by the Trump administration reports widespread mental health impacts, including PTSD-like symptoms, affecting people across the U.S. Virgin Islands and 43 states. Emergency Response at Sea: The Coast Guard rescued a boater near St. Thomas after a vessel fire and sinking, with the passenger transferred to VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Hurricane Readiness: The National Hurricane Center is expanding its forecast cone to include inland watches and warnings for the 2026 season, aiming to better communicate wind risks beyond the coast.

Workforce & EMS Training: UVI Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training; the center also marked Cohort 2 completion with 10 residents finishing the program and moving toward NREMT certification. Mental Health & Federal Employment: A survey of federal workers laid off by the Trump administration reports widespread mental health impacts, including PTSD-like symptoms, with respondents including people across the U.S. Virgin Islands. Emergency Response: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas; the passenger was transferred to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Public Health & Climate Readiness: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season begins with a below-normal outlook, but warnings stress that even one storm can bring major risks to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Health Policy: The St. Thomas/St. Croix Senate advanced a bill on green waste disposal using controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-reduction requirements. Sun Safety: A column highlights practical sunscreen and clothing-based protection to lower skin cancer risk during stronger summer sun. Food Security (Wellness Lens): A commentary connects food security to mental health, stress reduction, and healthier eating as a foundation for overall wellbeing in the territory.

Workforce & EMS Training: The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was added to the U.S. Virgin Islands Eligible Training Provider List, unlocking WIOA funding for EMT training and helping reduce financial barriers; it also marked Cohort 2’s EMT program milestone with ten residents completing training and moving toward NREMT certification. Local Health Governance: On St. Thomas, the VI Senate advanced a bill to address the green waste disposal crisis using controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added rules aimed at cutting smoke and protecting nearby communities. Disaster Readiness: The National Hurricane Center updated its 2026 season outlook and, in related reporting, highlighted that even a below-normal season can still bring dangerous storms—an important reminder for Virgin Islands preparedness. Community Health & Access: A Coast Guard rescue near St. Thomas sent a boater to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, underscoring the value of fast emergency response for survival and recovery. Public Health Lifestyle Tip: A column on sunscreen choices urged residents to consider clothing and shade first, then use sunscreen when needed to lower skin cancer risk.

Public Service & Mental Health: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top VI public employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony, spotlighting how frontline government work supports families, students, and seniors. Sun Safety: A new column argues that the best sunscreen “may be a shirt you already own,” pushing clothing, hats, and shade as planet-friendlier UV protection, with lotion for exposed areas. Workplace Stress: A survey of federal workers laid off by the Trump administration reports widespread mental health impacts, including PTSD-like symptoms, especially among probationary employees. Hurricane Readiness: The 2026 Atlantic season starts June 1 with a below-normal forecast, but warnings stress that even one storm can still hit the U.S. Virgin Islands hard. Local Environment Policy: The VI Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure using controlled incineration only when safer options like composting and mulching aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke limits. Coast Guard Rescue: Coast Guard crews rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas, transferring the passenger to local emergency services.

Local Government & Health: The U.S. Virgin Islands Senate advanced a measure to manage green waste via controlled incineration, but lawmakers added guardrails—incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, plus sorting rules, reduced smoke/particulates, and stronger fire-safety steps. Public Service & Community Wellbeing: Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach honored top government employees at the 36th Annual Employee of the Year ceremony on St. Croix, spotlighting how reliable public service supports residents’ daily needs. Skin Health & Sun Safety: A new column urges smarter summer sun protection—using clothing and shade first, then sunscreen when skin is exposed—while weighing chemical vs. mineral options and environmental impact. Mental Health After Job Loss: A survey of federal workers fired during the Trump administration reports widespread mental health effects, including PTSD-like symptoms, especially among probationary employees. Disaster Readiness: The Atlantic hurricane season opened with a below-normal forecast, but warnings emphasize that even quieter years can still bring dangerous storms. Coast Guard Rescue: Coast Guard crews rescued a boater after a vessel fire near St. Thomas, with the passenger transferred to local EMS.

Skin Protection & Planet-Friendly Choices: With stronger summer sun, a new local-focused column argues you can protect skin and the environment by choosing reusable clothing like long-sleeve shirts and wide-brim hats first, then using sunscreen when needed—explaining the tradeoffs between chemical and mineral UV filters. Hurricane Readiness: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 with a below-normal outlook, but warnings stress that even fewer storms can still bring major impacts—plus the National Hurricane Center is expanding its forecast cone to better show inland tropical storm and hurricane risks, including for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dengue Alert for Travelers: A new report finds U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359% over the 2010–2023 average, driven mostly by travel-linked infections, with a large share tied to the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). Local Safety & Health Services: The Coast Guard rescued a boater after a vessel fire and sinking near St. Thomas, transferring the only passenger to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Community Health Policy: The VI Senate advanced a measure to manage green waste via controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-reduction requirements. Food Security: Commentary highlights how food insecurity fuels stress and harms health, while national SUN Bucks/Summer EBT benefits are set to help families buy groceries during summer breaks, including participation by the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mental Health After Job Loss: A survey of federal workers laid off by the Trump administration reports widespread mental health effects, including PTSD-like symptoms, with respondents across the U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Domestic Violence Case: A St. Thomas man faces charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding.

Hurricane Readiness: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season kicked off June 1 with a below-normal outlook, but forecasters still warn the Caribbean and U.S. Virgin Islands can’t treat a quiet start as safety—NOAA projects 8–14 named storms and 3–6 hurricanes, with impacts that can reach far inland. Local Health & Safety: The U.S. Virgin Islands Senate advanced a bill to manage green waste through controlled incineration, but lawmakers added limits—incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, plus stronger fire-safety and smoke-reduction steps. Public Health & Nutrition: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to begin paying in June, including the U.S. Virgin Islands—$120 per eligible school-age child for SNAP-approved groceries during summer break. Community Health Alert: A St. Thomas woman was left unconscious and bleeding after an alleged domestic assault by her partner, according to court and police reports. Disease Watch: A new report highlights a sharp rise in U.S. dengue cases in 2024, driven mostly by travel—many linked to Caribbean destinations including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

USVI Emergency Response: The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a boater after a charter vessel caught fire and sank south of St. Thomas on Sunday, May 31. The lone passenger was transferred to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and the boater was found floating and clinging to an overturned dinghy. Hurricane Preparedness: The National Hurricane Center is expanding its forecast cone for the 2026 season to include tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings farther inland, aiming to better show wind risks beyond the coast—an update that also covers the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local Public Health & Safety: The USVI Senate advanced a bill to manage green waste through controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke/particulate limits. Food Security: A Virgin Islands-focused commentary highlights how food security and healthy eating are tied to mental well-being, reduced toxic stress, and better child health outcomes. Nutrition Assistance: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to begin in June, with U.S. Virgin Islands included among participating territories to help eligible families buy groceries during summer break.

Local Safety Response: The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a boater after a charter vessel caught fire and sank south of St. Thomas. The passenger was transferred to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and the boater was found floating and clinging to an overturned dinghy. Public Health Watch: A new report says U.S. dengue cases jumped 359% in 2024, driven mostly by travel-linked infections; Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands accounted for 34.1% of those travel-related cases. Food Security & Nutrition: Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) is set to begin in June, with benefits of $120 per school-age child for eligible families—U.S. Virgin Islands included—aimed at helping cover groceries when school is out. Local Health & Community: The VI Senate advanced a measure on green waste disposal, adding limits on controlled incineration and pushing alternatives like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse to reduce smoke and particulates near homes. Child Safety Online: New York and Connecticut AGs joined a coalition urging Congress to reject the KIDS Act, warning it could weaken state protections for children online. Domestic Violence Case: A St. Thomas man faces domestic violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner, leaving her unconscious and bleeding.

USVI Health & Safety: A St. Thomas man, D’Quan Rogers, faces domestic-violence-related charges after police say he punched his partner hard enough to leave her unconscious and bleeding; she was taken to a hospital and officers say her account changed as they gathered more details. Local Environment Policy: The USVI Senate approved a measure to manage green waste through controlled incineration, but lawmakers added limits—incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, plus added fire-safety and smoke/particulate protections. Food Security: A new commentary spotlights how food security and healthy eating are tied to mental health, stress, and long-term development—an issue for Virgin Islanders facing uncertainty about access to nutritious meals. Nutrition Assistance: Summer EBT/SUN Bucks is set to roll out in June, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among participating territories. Public Health Watch: Dengue cases in the U.S. jumped 359% in 2024, driven mostly by travel—Caribbean destinations, including Puerto Rico and the USVI, accounted for a large share. Regional Health Research: NOAA designated Nova Southeastern University’s National Coral Reef Institute as an Atlantic Reef Research Coordination hub, with work supporting Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Local Health & Safety: The U.S. Virgin Islands Senate advanced a bill (36-0232) to manage the green waste crisis via controlled incineration, but lawmakers added safeguards—incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, plus stricter sorting, fire safety, and smoke/particulate limits near homes. Food Security: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to start paying in June, including for the U.S. Virgin Islands, with $120 per school-age child for SNAP-approved groceries during summer break. Public Health Watch: Dengue cases in the U.S. jumped 359% in 2024, driven mostly by travel-linked infections, with Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands among the Caribbean destinations tied to the surge. Child Online Safety: New York and Connecticut AGs joined efforts urging Congress to reject the KIDS Act, warning it could weaken states’ ability to protect children online; Connecticut also opened an investigation into Roblox over reported child harm. Wellness & Prevention: A new explainer on sunscreen highlights the balance between UV protection and environmental impact, focusing on how chemical and mineral filters work and why the debate can get oversimplified. Community Health Angle: A local contributor argues food security is the foundation for health in the Virgin Islands, linking reliable access to reduced stress and better outcomes.

Food Security & Healthy Eating: A new commentary from Dr. Craig Stoutt highlights how food insecurity can push people into “survival mode,” raising stress and undermining health, while calling for consistent access to safe, nutritious meals in the U.S. Virgin Islands and beyond. Local Health Policy (Waste & Air Quality): On St. Thomas, the Senate advanced Bill No. 36-0232 to manage green waste through controlled incineration, but lawmakers added limits—incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available—plus sorting rules and steps aimed at reducing smoke and particulates near homes. Child Nutrition Support: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to begin in June, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among participating territories, offering $120 per eligible school-age child for SNAP-approved groceries during summer break. Dengue Watch: A new report says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, driven mostly by travel-linked infections, with a large share tied to the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Coral Reef Research Hub: NOAA named Nova Southeastern University’s National Coral Reef Institute as the Atlantic Reef Research Coordination Institute, with work supporting Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Online Child Safety Push: AGs including New York and Connecticut urged Congress to reject the KIDS Act, arguing it would weaken state protections for children online. Grocery Recall Alerts: V.I. Free Press reports major nationwide grocery pullbacks tied to FDA/USDA recall alerts, warning that mainland supply lines could bring affected products into local kitchens.

Territory Self-Determination Briefing: Right to Democracy is hosting a June 4 congressional briefing on what “consent of the governed” should mean for residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, arguing territories have long lacked full constitutional and civil rights. Food Security & Healthy Eating: A new commentary spotlights how food insecurity in the Virgin Islands can push people into “survival mode,” fueling stress and harming health, while urging daily access to safe, nutritious, minimally processed foods. Local Health Policy—Green Waste: The St. Thomas Senate advanced a green waste disposal measure allowing controlled incineration only when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available, with added fire-safety and smoke-reduction requirements. Child Nutrition Support: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to begin in June, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among participating territories to help families buy SNAP-approved groceries during summer break. Online Safety for Kids: Bipartisan AGs are urging Congress to reject the KIDS Act, warning it could weaken states’ ability to protect children online; Connecticut is also investigating Roblox over alleged child harm. Public Health Watch—Dengue: New reporting says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359%, driven mostly by travel, with a large share linked to the Caribbean including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Food Recall Alerts: V.I. Free Press flags three major national grocery recalls that could reach the islands via mainland supply lines, including a frozen snack recall tied to reported plastic contamination and other allergen-related issues.

Local Health & Safety: The USVI Senate approved Bill No. 36-0232 to address the green waste crisis by allowing controlled incineration, but lawmakers added guardrails: incineration can only be used when safer options like shredding, mulching, composting, and reuse aren’t available. The amendments also push sorting rules, reduce incineration activity, strengthen fire safety, encourage composting, and aim to minimize smoke and particulates near homes. Public Health Watch: A new report says U.S. dengue cases in 2024 jumped 359% versus the 2010–2023 average, driven mostly by travel-linked infections; Puerto Rico and the USVI accounted for a large share of those travel-related cases. Food Safety: V.I. consumer advocates flagged three major national grocery recalls that could reach the islands via mainland supply lines, including a frozen snack recall tied to hard plastic contamination and other unlabeled allergen-related issues. Nutrition Assistance: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT is set to begin in June, with the U.S. Virgin Islands included among participating territories. Child Online Safety: AGs including New York’s Letitia James urged Congress to reject the KIDS Act, saying it would weaken states’ ability to protect children online.